I was recently asked to participate in a panel about how to design and market consumer products to help seniors live better and more fulfilling lives at the UCLA Conference on Technology and Aging on October 30.

In a recent survey of over 800 cell phone users aged 50+, cell phone simplicity was found to be the major determining factor when it came to cell phone and plan selection, however, it was also found that about one third of this audience was interested in the use of text messaging.

While many of us don’t have the lightning finger speed and dexterity we once did, texting is becoming one of the leading modes of communication among today’s youth, and can be a valuable skill to learn in order to stay in touch with kids and grandkids.  Here are a few tips to help make texting simple and hassle free.

#1 Know the Proper Texting Context

Texts are best used when asking short simple yes/no questions or when trying to gather quick specific bits of info.  Texting is not ideal for having long drawn out conversations.  For example, “asking your grandkids what time they need to be picked up after soccer practice” is appropriate, while” asking why they got an “F” on their math test” is not. 

 #2 Use a Cell Phone with Easy-to-Read, Enlarged Buttons and Display Text

 Nothing is more aggravating than trying to type a message on a phone that has keys the size of a pin head and a screen with size 8 font.  Phones with large buttons and screens make typing and reading texts easier.  Here are a few examples of some text friendly phones.

#3 Texting is Informal

Unlike formal letter-writing or professional business correspondences via email, texting is a largely informal method of communication.  Traditional words can be shortened for ease of use.  A few examples include:

·         Because = cause                           

·         At = @

·         Two, to, too =2

·         You = U

·         Are = R

#4 You Can Avoid Texting Jargon

 With the possible exception of “LOL” (laughing out loud), there is an entire new vocabulary system that is embraced by many texters.  Unless you are willing to spend a great deal of time learning this new vocabulary and will be texting others who are fluent as well, I would not recommend wasting your time.

WB! HRU? WRU@? CB @ 10?  TTYL BFF!!

(Welcome Back!  How are You?  Where are you at?  How about a coffee break at 10?  Talk to you later best friend)

#5 Keep Texts Short

When texting, keep it brief.  For example:

Longer Version:

“Good Morning.  I am going to the grocery store and am wondering if you need me to pick you up anything?  Also what time should I pick you up from soccer practice?”

Text Version:

"Hi!  Going 2 store.  Need Anything?  What time for after practice pick up?"

While this second message won’t impress any English teachers, it is short, and gets the message across. 

Good luck on your texting journey! 

Yesterday was a wonderful day. While standing in line at the pharmacy the gentleman behind me smiled. Seriously, I don’t go to the CVS to make friends but somehow yesterday I did.

"I am not a genius.  Or are I ?"   Homer Simpson

It has been almost four months since my last journal entry as a Dream Job contest winner. I thought I would share what has been happening in my life. In January, I made the decision to continue my education and pursue a bachelor's degree in management from Cornerstone University through an accelerated program for adults, Professional & Graduate Studies (PGS) with a tentative graduation date of July 2010.  I have completed two courses, "Principles of Self-Management" and "Writing for Business.  My current class is "Business and Professional Communication." I am enjoying the classes and the courses have already been beneficial in my personal life.

I am still seeking employment, but am only applying for interesting positions that I feel will utilize my paralegal education and skills. I have continued to network with former classmates and paralegals working in the field.  I also attend trainings and networking events to keep up with the profession.

I am nearing the end of an event filled year as an "AARP My Dream Job" winner in the 'New Worker' category.  I am grateful for all of the blessings I have received as one of the six winners.  I have posted my story in the form of journals both on my page and the Water Cooler and New Worker group pages.  I apologize both to AARP and  readers for the gaps between entries.  As much fun as winning this contest has been, the past year was filled with personal sorrow as people I loved faced illness and death. Life takes many turns and at times it feels like a roller coaster ride with more downs than ups. I am nearing the end of my "reign" and the requirement of journalling, but, I plan to continue as I find that putting things in writing is a great way to ascertain if I'm moving forward, just treading water or falling behind. I thank you for showing an interest in my journals and pray that all goes well for you in the coming year. It is supposed to be a year of "change" so let's all pray that it is change for the good.

As for my current situation with my 'dream job' search... 

When I received my fifth "Thank you for you interest in our firm/company/organization" letter, I became more than a little discouraged. I began looking (again) at what I could 'do' to make myself more marketable. As a result, I have decided to continue with my education with the goal of earning a bachelor's degree in business management. I am also in the process of registering for mediation training to earn certification as a Community Mediatior. When that initial training is completed, I have the option to receive more specialized training, which I plan on pursuing.  I have also decided that I will resume my job search when the mediation trainings are completed and added to my resume.  I will continue journaling, so if you check this site from time to time there will be updates. 

Have a blessed Christmas/Hanukah/Kwanzaa!     

My journey continues...........         Stef

AARP Chicago Volunteer Appreciation Event

On October l6th, I attended the AARP Illinois Chicago Volunteer Appreciation Event.  This event was to honor Chicagoans who had made major contributions by volunteering with the AARP this year.  I am rather impressed with how the AARP supports and recognizes all who support their organization, whether it be staff or volunteers.  I took this opportunity to also meet some distinguished attendees, and have set up some meetings for the future.  One individual in particular is now CEO of a center in the Chicagoland area.  I find that these events are not only beneficial in that you get a chance to meet people from all walks of life, but it is a great way to network.  I am grateful to Heather and Carmenza for their continued support.

Sometime during the next few weeks, I will be meeting with the AARP staff to strategize more about the plan and moving forward.   Having hit the 50+ status and being employed at one job for 25+ years, I kind of had the mindset , that "this is it, what else is there to do?"  This win has me going in directions I never thought I would go in.   My best advice is to stay focused, open minded and never stop believing in yourself.  Stay up on techology and network, network, network.  If you can dream, believe it and see it,  then go for it.!!!!!!.......More to come......

     It’s been nearly a month since my last entry. I’ve had two interviews, one for which I still am awaiting a response.  I’ve started applying for positions other than my ’dream job’ as a paralegal. There don’t seem to be any entry level paralegal positions available in this area. So, I’ve responded to three advertisements for administrative assistant positions. I am hopeful that my training, previous employment experience and life experience will qualify me for one of these positions. Even though Michigan is number one in the nation for unemployment, I am confident that there is a job for me somewhere!

     On a more personal note, life is getting back to normal since the passing of my husband’s parents in April and July. I have resolved to keep healthy by eating right and exercising. I am blessed to be free of most of the ailments that plague most older people and hope to stay that way!

I’ve been reading the journals of my fellow ’dream job’ winners and pray that we all attain a measure of our dreams. There have been some very useful posts in the water cooler and new worker job groups. I;m thankful for any suggestions, hints and help given by other AARP folks. Until my next post...God’s blessings to all!  Stef

It's hard to believe it's been three weeks since I arrived back home from our fabulous trip to the AARP convention in Washington, D.C. So much happened that I can't begin to relate ALL of it in this journal, so I'll touch on the highlights. The dinner held in honor of the "Dream Job" winners at the Acadiana Restaurant was fabulous. The meal was excellent and it was great getting to meet everyone in person and put faces with the names and voices I'd been hearing from for the past nine months. My fellow 'Dream Job' winners were as impressed as I was with the excellent accomodations at the hotel and the shuttle bus service which delivered us from place to place so efficiently. The convention was beyond my expectations...hundreds of vendors and exhibitors and many helpful sessions on everything from health care to "What Not to Wear at 50+" with the TV personality from the show "What Not to Wear". My step-daughters were so impressed that I actually got photos of him!  We were treated to tickets to see Chaka Khan, Natalie Cole, Chicago and Paul Simon. I felt like a teenager again going to rock concerts!

On Friday morning the six of us were on a panel in a session discussing work related issues at 50+. I really enjoyed being part of the panel and afterward I met so many well wishers and folks willing to share their advice and experience with me. Friday afternoon, Cat, Jenette and I gave short talks on networking at the Work@50+ stage on the vendor floor. Members of the audience also shared their networking stories which proved very interesting and helpful to all in attendance.

The rest of the time we were kept busy checking out all of the vendors and exhibits and by the end of the convention, I had two huge bags of givaway items to haul back home. It was so informative and FUN. My sister-in-law went with me as my guest and we've already decided that we want to go to the next convention next year...in VEGAS! It was hard to pack up and leave our posh hotel to return home to the REAL world...

Since I've been home, I've been continuing my job search. I had two interviews in late August before I left for the convention. When I returned home, I received a letter from one firm to come for a second interview. The offer was for a position that MAY become available the end of October. At first I accepted it, but after much consideration, I decided that I didn't want to suspend my job search for a maybe, so I'm back looking again. I had an interview last Wednesday for a part time position as an office assistant in a law firm. It's not my 'paralegal dream job', but I hope to be hired. I think it will provide valuable experience. I am sure that I will learn skills that will be beneficial in the future. I will be notified one way or the other this week. I'm hoping to report good news!  Until then...many blessings to you.  Stef 

The Big Day Has Finally Arrived, "We’re Heading to D.C."

Morris (husband) and I arrived in DC on the afternoon of Wednesday, September 3rd.  The AARP had taken care of everything for us.  We stayed in a beautiful hotel, the Renaissance Mayflower.  This was our first time in D.C. so we were pretty excited.  That evening we familiarized ourselves with the area and things took off from there.  We were approximately 4 blocks from the White House and conveniently located in downtown D.C.  The next day we toured the White House (thanks to our Congressman).  The tour was informative, rewarding and lasted for approximately 30-45 minutes.

There was a dinner party planned for the next evening to honor the "Dream Job" Winners at Acardiana Restaurant.  This was the first time all the winners had met in person.  There we had the opportunity to meet the COO of AARP, Director of AARP Workforce (Deborah) and J.C. (WUSA-TV anchor) who were co-moderators of the upcoming sessions.  We had the opportunity to meet so many other wonderful staff members of AARP.  It was truly an evening to remember.  I was very pleased and exicted to see Heather and Carmenza from my state office in attendance.

After the dinner, we visited the Convention Center to see where we would be speaking and to enjoy the many activities/vendors that were available.  There was so much to see and do.  There were buses stationed outside the convention center as well as our hotel to shuttle us to and from the convention.  I could have stayed there another week to be honest, there was so much information.  From healthcare to firm mattresses, you name it, the information was there.  That evening we took in a concert (compliments of the AARP).  We saw Chaka Khan and Natalie Cole, two outstanding performers.  

The next morning we would be speaking at the Convention.  All the winners would be on a panel at the University Session.  Marci had asked that we meet at the conference room for a quick briefing at l0:30.  Session was ll:00 - 12:00.  Lights, cameras, action - - J.C. the news reporter, Deborah, Marci and all the winners were now there and ready to go.  It was show time!  There were approximately 150-200 people in attendance.  We were in a half circle position on the stage.  Deborah introduced us individually and talked about our dream jobs; J.C. asked the questions regarding our experiences thus far.  The questions portion lasted approximately  l5-30 minutes, with each winner having a chance to speak.  The question/answer session from the audience lasted for approximately l5 minutes.  This was clearly the most exciting thing I had ever been part of in my lifetime.  Afterwards, people flocked up to shake our hands and congratulate us on our "win" and the information we had provided.  I must admit, I was a little "celebrity shy" starting out.  That lasted all but 2 seconds and when the ball started rolling, I rolled with it!!!!!  

Speaking engagement was not done yet.  Later that day we met at the "Water Cooler" where Kathryn, Stephany and I spoke to convention attendees about how important "networking" is in all aspect of our lives, but even more so when job hunting.  I shared a story in  particular, where the AARP office in my state had invited me to a ribbon cutting ceremony.  During the ceremony, I met the Alderman’s Director.  I have been in contact with her since regarding my win.  Networking is an extremely important tool.  Quite a few people in the audience shared how they had networked and found jobs.

The next night we went to see the group Chicago (yes another complimentary treat from the AARP, and while we are on the subject, yes on the third evening, we were treated with tickets to see Paul Simon, can’t ask for more).  First time I had ever seen the group Chicago live, and I must say they "Rocked the House." 

Next day, back to "convention land."  We picked up more materials, visited the "Water Cooler" booth to support the dream job winner speaking that day, and decided to take a tour of DC.  The tour lasted approximately 3 hours and we saw some of the monumental areas of D.C.  So much to see and do.  

The evening before we left, I contacted all the winners and Marci to let everyone know what a wonderful time we had.  I also told Marci how much I appreciated all she had done for us, in putting all this together. 

I personally wanted to thank the AARP for  giving me such a opportunity.  You never know in life, at what age, you are doing to do something you have never done before.  I am the first in my immediate family to go to D.C., and tour the White House.  This goes to show you are never too old to dream, or to do or learn something you have never done before.  This experience has truly revitalized my life such that I want to do and learn more and more and more.  I also met some wonderful people during the convention and University session whom I will be contacting here in Chicago. 

I could go on and on, but I want to save some room on the site for the other "Dream Job" winners  AARP thank you again for making our stay such a memorable one.  And to the other winners, it was a pleasure meeting each and everyone of you.  I look foward to our continued friendship as our journeys continue........